Apparatus for sterilizing mail and textile articles

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a cabinet defining a chamber and having a door coupled to the cabinet for selectively sealing the chamber in an airtight manner. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump in communication with the chamber for withdrawing air from the chamber and any respective article placed therein, e.g. a pillow, the vacuum pump causing a reduced air pressure within the chamber. The apparatus further includes an ozone generator in communication with the chamber for introducing ozone into the chamber and into any respective article placed therein. Still further, the apparatus includes an ozone filter in communication with the chamber and having a non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone into oxygen.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.10/964,183 entitled Method and Apparatus for Sterilizing Mail andTextile Articles filed Oct. 13, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/883,242 entitled Method and Apparatus forSterilizing Mail and Textile Articles filed Apr. 27, 2004, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/223,919 filed Aug. 20, 2002(now U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,029) entitled Method and Apparatus forSterilizing Mail, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Application No.60/337,648, filed Dec. 7, 2001, entitled Device To Sterilize AnthraxSpores Being Sent Through The Mail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to decontamination and sterilization devices and,more particularly, to a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles ofmail that may be tainted with anthrax or other pathogens.

A single letter contaminated with anthrax or similar pathogens can causeserious health issues or even death to humans. In fact, a single lettermay include thousands of times more than the lethal dose of anthrax. Thethreat of safety relative to the delivery of mail was accented by theanthrax infections following the historic terrorist attacks against theUnited States on Sep. 11, 2001. Several people were infected withanthrax as a result of letters containing the deadly pathogens. Postaloffices and other businesses had to be shut down and fully sterilized.Anthrax in a single letter can cross-contaminate other articles of mail,postal sorting equipment, and the like. This is a significant problem inview of the 680 million pieces of mail handled by the U.S. PostalService every day.

Various devices have been proposed for sterilizing medical equipment andother articles. Although assumably effective for their intendedpurposes, the existing devices are not suitable for sterilizing mail atthe initial point of mail deposit or without damaging the mail. Moreparticularly, the use of steam heat or intense dry heat wouldirreversibly damage mail. Further, chemical sterilization with ethyleneoxide gas avoids the damages associated with heat sterilization butrequires long cycle times and the handling of harsh chemicals. Thesedisadvantages would be unacceptable for use in mass mail processing.Sterilization with gamma radiation, while effective, would beprohibitively expensive for use in the decentralized mail processing anddelivery industry.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus forsterilizing mail quickly and without damaging the mail. Further, it isdesirable to have a method and apparatus for sterilizing mail withoutgenerating excessive heat or pollution. In addition, it is desirable tohave a method and apparatus for sterilizing mail that may be used in themail sorting process. It would also be desirable to have a device thatcan sterilize other articles such as textiles, pillows, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus for sterilizing mail according to the presentinvention includes a chamber defining an airtight enclosed space andhaving an entrance and exit through which mail may be conveyed. A vacuumpump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air from the chamber andan article of mail therein. This withdrawal of air reduces the airpressure in the chamber. An ozone gas generator is also coupled to thechamber and is capable of introducing ozone therein after all gases havebeen removed by the vacuum pump. Introducing ozone into the low pressureenvironment causes the ozone to permeate the article of mail veryquickly as the ozone seeks to diffuse in even concentration throughoutthe chamber. Ozone is an unstable molecule that reacts with organicmatter such as bacteria and viruses. This reaction destroys criticalcomponents of organisms, thereby being an effective sterilizing agentagainst anthrax within an article of mail. The highly reactive propertyof ozone makes sterilization very quick compared to other disinfectantmethodologies. Following sterilization, the ozone is withdrawn from thechamber by another operation of the vacuum pump or with another fan suchthat the ozone is collected in an ozone filter. The filter includes anon-consumable catalyst such as manganese dioxide which converts theozone into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using a singlechamber or using multiple chambers connected by airlocks (multi-stageimplementation).

Another form of the invention includes a cabinet defining a chamber andhaving a door coupled to the cabinet for selectively sealing the chamberin an airtight manner. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump incommunication with the chamber for withdrawing air from the chamber andany respective article placed therein, e.g. a pillow, the vacuum pumpcausing a reduced air pressure within the chamber. The apparatus furtherincludes an ozone generator in communication with the chamber forintroducing ozone into the chamber and into any respective articleplaced therein. Still further, the apparatus includes an ozone filter incommunication with the chamber and having a non-consumable catalyst forconverting the ozone into oxygen.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a method andapparatus for sterilizing mail from anthrax or other pathogenicpoisoning.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus,as aforesaid, which sterilizes articles of mail quickly and withoutexposure of persons to harsh or harmful chemicals.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a method andapparatus, as aforesaid, which sterilizes articles of mail withoutdamaging the articles of mail.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method andapparatus, as aforesaid, which sterilizes mail without generatingexcessive heat or pollution.

A further object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus,as aforesaid, which may be integrated into a conventional mail sortingprocess.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a sterilizingapparatus, as aforesaid, having a unique conveyor system for movingtextile articles between multiple water and sterilizing chambers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sterilizing apparatus,as aforesaid, having a unique conveyor system for moving textilearticles into a single sterilizing chamber bounded by water chambers forsterilization within an enclosed space.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a sterilizingapparatus, as aforesaid, having a chamber with a door into whicharticles to be sterilized may be inserted, sealed, and sanitized byinserting ozone into a vacuum environment.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example,embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a mailsterilization apparatus according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mail sterilization apparatus as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mail sterilization apparatus,partially broken away, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the mail sterilization apparatus as in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a sterilizationapparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the sterilization apparatus as in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sterilization device according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the sterilization apparatus as in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sterilizing device according toanother embodiment of the invention according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the apparatus as in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the apparatus as in FIG. 10 withthe front doors removed;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the apparatus as in FIG. 12 withthe article to be sanitized removed from the chamber; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the apparatusas in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A method and apparatus for sterilizing mail against anthrax and otherpathogens will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1through 4 of the accompanying drawings.

A mail sterilizing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention includes a multi-stage, multiple chamber construction(FIGS. 1 and 2). More particularly, the apparatus 10 includes a firstchamber 12 having a rectangular or box-shaped configuration defining anenclosed interior space. The first chamber 12 may also be referred to asthe vacuum chamber. The first chamber 12 includes entrance and exitopenings at opposed ends thereof for entry and exit of articles of mail8, respectively. A first conveyor 14 is positioned in the first chamber12 and extends between the first chamber entrance and exit for moving anarticle of mail through the interior of the first chamber 12 along afirst conveyance path. A first letter guide 16 extends along each sideof the first conveyor 14 and is situated in an upstanding configurationfor guiding an article of mail 8 along a first conveyance path definedby the first conveyor 14.

A first airlock 52 is coupled to the first chamber 12 adjacent theentrance thereto, the first airlock having doors that are selectivelymovable so as to seal or expose the entrance. A second airlock 56 iscoupled to the first chamber 12 adjacent the exit therefrom, the secondairlock 56 having doors that are selectively movable so as to seal orexpose the exit. Of course, doors attached directly to the first chamber12 for sealing or exposing the entrance and exit would also be asuitable construction. It is also understood that rotary airlocks wouldalso be suitable rather than the two door airlocks shown. Therefore, thefirst chamber 12 is airtight when the first chamber entrance and exitare sealed. This is important as the air pressure within the firstchamber 12 is modified as to be described in detail below. Each airlock52, 56 further includes respective auxiliary conveyors 54, 58,respectively, for conveying an article of mail 8 therealong.

Preferably, a pair of perforation rollers 18 are mounted in upstandingconfigurations on opposed sides of the first chamber conveyor 14adjacent the first chamber entrance, although a single perforationroller would be adequate. Thus, the perforation rollers 18 arepositioned to bear against an article of mail 8 as it enters the firstchamber 12. The perforation rollers 18 may be spring loaded so as topress against the article of mail 8 while accommodating various sizes ofmail articles. Each perforation roller 18 includes a plurality ofminiature pins or spikes for making almost imperceptible perforations inthe article of mail 8 (i.e. in the envelope).

A vacuum pump 20 is coupled to the first chamber 12 and is incommunication with the enclosed interior space thereof (FIGS. 1 and 2).An operation of the vacuum pump 20 withdraws air from the first chamber12 and, more particularly, from the article of mail 8 being conveyedtherethrough. The perforations placed in the article of mail 8 make thisair withdrawal faster and more complete.

A first ozone filter 22 is connected to the vacuum pump 20 for receivingall air withdrawn from the first chamber 12 (FIG. 1). Preferably, thefirst ozone filter 22 includes a non-consumable catalyst 24 of manganesedioxide for converting any withdrawn ozone into oxygen before the air isexhausted into the environment surrounding the apparatus 10. Manganesedioxide is the preferred catalyst in that it is not consumed by reactionwith ozone, decomposes ozone at ambient temperature, and decomposesozone quickly.

One or more ultraviolet lamps 26 may be positioned within the firstchamber 12. Ultraviolet light is a form of non-ionized radiation that iseffective to irradiate and destroy pathogens upon exposure. Thus,exposing articles of mail to ultraviolet light sterilizes the outersurfaces thereof but does not penetrate envelopes or other packaging.However, sterilizing the outer surfaces of mail articles is stilladvantageous so as to prevent cross-contamination of the apparatus 10itself or of postal workers.

The apparatus 10 includes a second chamber 30 connected to the firstchamber 12 (FIG. 1). The second chamber 30 includes a constructionsubstantially similar to the construction of the first chamber 12,including defining an entrance and exit. The second chamber 30 furtherincludes a second conveyor 32 extending between the second chamberentrance and exit for moving an article of mail therethrough andincludes second mail guides 34. More particularly, the second airlock 56links the first and second chambers together. The second airlock 56enables the article of mail 8 from which air has been withdrawn tomaintain its low pressure as it exits the first chamber 12 and entersthe second chamber 30. A third airlock 60 having a constructionsubstantially similar to the airlocks previously described is coupled tothe second chamber 30 adjacent the second chamber exit for selectivelysealing the exit and making the second chamber airtight.

An ozone generator 36 is coupled to the second chamber 30 and is incommunication with the enclosed interior space thereof. The ozonegenerator 36 is operatively connected to an oxygen tank 38 as its sourceof oxygen for ozone gas generation. Although the ozone generator 36 iscapable of producing ozone using atmospheric air, a direct supply ofoxygen can increase ozone concentration generation by over 400%. Oncethe article of mail 8 is received into the second chamber 30 and thesecond chamber 30 is sealed, the ozone generator 36 introduces aquantity of ozone gas into the second chamber 30. Of course, the secondchamber 30 may already be filled with ozone when the article of mail 8enters. The pressure differential between the article of mail 8 and thesecond chamber 30 causes the ozone to quickly diffuse and permeate thearticle of mail 8 and sterilize any microorganisms such as anthrax.Ozone is a powerful oxidant formed of three oxygen atoms (O₃). An ozonemolecule is highly unstable and reacts with any organic matter includingbacteria and viruses. Such a reaction is capable of splitting proteinsand carbohydrates to damage critical components of organisms.

The apparatus 10 further includes a third chamber 40 connected to thesecond chamber 30 via the third airlock 60 (FIG. 1). The third chamber40, which may also be referred to as the polishing chamber, includes aconstruction substantially similar to the construction of the chamberspreviously described, including having a third conveyor 42 and thirdmail guide 44. The third chamber 40 also defines a correspondingentrance and exit. In addition, a second ozone filter 46 is connected tothe third chamber 40 for collecting ozone molecules remaining on thearticle of mail 8. The second ozone filter 46 includes a non-consumablecatalyst 50 such as manganese dioxide for decomposing collected ozoneinto oxygen before exhausting it into the surrounding environment. A fan51 is positioned within the third chamber 40 at the base of the secondozone filter 46 for drawing air from the third chamber 40 into thesecond ozone filter 46 (FIG. 2). It should be observed that the thirdconveyor 42 is perforated to allow air to be drawn more easily into thesecond ozone filter 46. It should be appreciated that air withdrawn fromthe first chamber 12 by the vacuum pump 20 may be funneled directly tothe third chamber 40 such that only a single ozone filter would beneeded.

At least one embossing roller 48 is mounted in the third chamber 40adjacent the third chamber exit. The embossing roller 48 is positionedin an upstanding configuration adjacent a conveyance path defined by thethird conveyor 42 such that articles of mail passing therealong willcontact the embossing roller 48. The embossing roller 48 is suitable toleave a mark, impression, or indicia upon articles of mail with which itmakes contact so as to indicate to mail recipients that the article ofmail has completed the sterilization cycle. The article of mail 8 isthen passed through the third chamber exit and may continue in aconventional mail sorting process, etc.

In use, the apparatus 10 may be configured as part of a flow-throughmail sorting process or be used independently, e.g. in a corporatemailroom. A control panel (not shown) configured to properly sequenceoperations may be used to control the apparatus 10 if the operations arenot otherwise sequenced into an existing mail sorting process. Anarticle of mail 8 is inserted or directed into the entrance of the firstchamber 12 where it is conveyed along the first conveyor 14. Of course,the article of mail 8 may start by passing through the first airlock 52although that is not essential. The article of mail 8 is perforated bythe perforation rollers 18 and then the vacuum pump 20 may operate towithdraw air from the first chamber 12. Either sequentially orsimultaneously with the vacuum pump operation, the outer surfaces of thearticle of mail 8 may be exposed to ultraviolet light from theultraviolet lamps 26.

The lowered pressure is maintained as the article of mail 8 is conveyedthrough the second airlock 56 and into the second chamber 30. Ozone atsubstantially atmospheric pressure may be introduced into the secondchamber 30 and the pressure differential causes the ozone to quicklypermeate the article of mail 8. The diffusion of ozone within thearticle of mail sterilizes any microorganisms contained therein, such asanthrax spores. It should be appreciated that the ozone would eventuallydiffuse evenly into the article of mail in the absence of a pressuredifferential or perforations, but the pressure differential andperforations speed the process significantly. The article of mail 8 maythen be conveyed through the third airlock 60 into the third chamber 40where remaining ozone is drawn into the second ozone filter 50. This isthe polishing stage which may conclude by embossing the article of mail8 to indicate that it has completed the sterilization process.

A mail sterilization apparatus 70 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes a constructionsubstantially similar to the construction described above except asspecifically noted below. The apparatus 70 according to this embodimentincludes only a single chamber 72 but is capable of performing in asubstantially similar manner as the apparatus first described. Thesingle chamber 72 includes entrance 74 and exit 76 doors for sealing theentrance and exit openings as appropriate for the insertion orwithdrawal of an article of mail 8. Perforation rollers 78 are mountedadjacent the entrance door 74 and along the path of a conveyor 80 forperforating the article of mail 8 as it is conveyed through the singlechamber 72. One or more ultraviolet lamps 82 are positioned in thesingle chamber 72 along the path of the conveyor 80 for sterilizing theouter surfaces of an article of mail, in the manner describedpreviously.

In the manner as described previously, a vacuum pump 84 is coupled tothe single chamber 72 for withdrawing air from the single chamber 72 andfrom the article of mail 8. Withdrawn air is passed through an ozonefilter 86 with a non-consumable catalyst 88 prior to being exhaustedinto the surrounding atmosphere. An ozone generator 90 is also coupledto the single chamber 72 for introducing ozone gas therein afteroperation of the vacuum pump 84. It is understood that the ozone isintroduced at normal atmospheric pressure. Due to the pressuredifferential between the article of mail 8 and the ozone beingintroduced, the ozone quickly permeates the article of mail 8 forsterilizing any microorganisms therein. Following ozone sterilization,another operation of the vacuum pump 84 may evacuate the chamber ofozone before the article of mail 8 contacts an embossing roller 92 andexits the apparatus 70. This apparatus 70 is particularly convenient foruse in a corporate mailroom, drop box, or residence.

In addition, it is contemplated that multiple tracks (e.g. conveyancepaths) may be constructed within each chamber such that several articlesof mail may be sterilized in parallel.

A sterilizer apparatus 100 according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The sterilizer apparatus100 according to this embodiment includes sterilization componentssubstantially similar to those previously described. However, while thisembodiment may be used to convey and sterilize articles of mail, thisembodiment of the invention particularly includes unique structuresdeveloped for conveying textile articles 118 such as sheets, pillows,pillowcases and other textiles through the sterilizer componentsdescribed previously.

More particularly, this embodiment of the sterilizer apparatus 100includes a framework 102 as well as a conveyor assembly 108 that isuniquely directed toward conveying textiles through a multi-stage,multi-chamber construction. The conveyor assembly 108 includes first 110and second 112 guide rollers pivotally coupled to upstream 104 anddownstream 106 ends of the framework 102, respectively. The conveyorassembly 108 includes an elongate continuous conveyor belt 114 coupledabout the guide rollers such that an operation of the guide rollers 110,112 operates the conveyor belt 114 in a downstream direction. Aplurality of stop members 116 are mounted atop the conveyor belt 114 andspaced apart longitudinally therealong, each stop member 116 having aconfiguration for stabilizing and holding a textile article in place asthe conveyor belt 114 moves through the sterilizing chambers describedin more detail below.

This embodiment of the sterilizer apparatus 100 includes first 120,second 126, and third 130 sterilizing chambers having a constructionsubstantially similar to the sterilizing chambers first described hereinexcept as specifically noted below. Further, the sterilizer apparatus100 includes first 140, second 160, and third 180 water chambers. Thesingle conveyor assembly 108 extends through the water and sterilizingchambers and operates to convey an article 118 therethrough to besterilized. Accordingly, a vacuum pump 122 is coupled to the firststerilizing chamber 120 for withdrawing air from the article 118 beingconveyed through the first sterilizing chamber 120. Further, an ozonegenerator 128 is coupled to the second sterilizing chamber 126 forintroducing ozone into the second sterilizing chamber 126 as the article118 is moved therethrough. An ozone filter 132 is coupled to the thirdsterilizing chamber 130 and includes a non-consumable catalyst such asmanganese dioxide. In addition, a fan 134 is mounted in the thirdsterilizing chamber 130 and is coupled to the ozone filter 132 fordrawing air from the third sterilizing chamber 130 across thenon-consumable catalyst and into the filter 132.

Each water chamber is configured for holding a respective quantity ofwater and defining a respective water level. While the sterilizingchambers define respective entrance and exit openings, they do notinclude movable airlock doors. Instead, the unique construction of thewater chambers provides suitable airlock function, as described indetail below. With specific reference to FIG. 5, the first water chamber140 includes an upper wall 142, which may also be referred to as aceiling. The first water chamber upper wall 142 includes upstream 144and downstream 146 portions connected to one another below the firstwater level that is defined within the first water chamber 140. Asshown, the upstream portion 144 includes a first end 143 and a secondend 145, the second end 145 being positioned below the first waterlevel. The downstream portion 146 of the first water chamber upper wall142 includes a first end 148 situated below the first water level and asecond end 150 connected to the first sterilizing chamber 120 upwardlyadjacent the first sterilizing chamber entrance.

The second 160 and third 180 water chambers include upper walls havingsubstantially similar constructions which are referenced herein and onthe drawings using identical numbers that are primed and double primed,respectively. It is understood that each water chamber include front andback 152 walls as can be seen in FIG. 5 so as to contain the watertherein and to establish enclosed air spaces. The water chambers andsterilizing chambers are positioned in succession such that the article118 to be sterilized is conveyed through a water chamber before enteringthe next sterilizing chamber. It should be appreciated that connectionof upstream and downstream portions of respective water chamber upperwalls establishes a closed airspace surrounding a respective sterilizingchamber.

In operation, the sterilizer apparatus 100 according to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be utilized as part of a traditionallaundering process or used independently, i.e. as an independent articlesterilizing process. An article 118 is placed upon the conveyor belt 114and the conveyor assembly 108 is operated. Accordingly, the article 118is moved beneath the water level of the first water chamber 140 and theninto the first sterilizing chamber 120 where the air pressure is reducedby operation of the vacuum pump 122 and may be exposed to ultravioletlight by operation of the ultraviolet lamp 124. The reduced air pressureis maintained by the closed air spaces formed by the uniqueconfigurations of the water chamber upper walls.

The article 118 is further conveyed through the second water chamber 160and then into the second sterilizing chamber 126 where the article isexposed to ozone upon operation of the ozone generator 128. The articlemay then be conveyed through the third water chamber 180 and finallyinto the third sterilizing chamber 130 where remaining ozone is drawninto the ozone filter 132 by operation of the fan 134. Use of hot air isanticipated in the third sterilizing chamber 130 so as to thoroughly drythe article as well.

A sterilizer apparatus 200 according to still another embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The apparatus 200 accordingto this embodiment includes a construction substantially similar to theapparatus 100 previously described except as specifically noted below.As with the previous embodiments, this apparatus 200 may be used tosterilize certain types of mailed packages of a traditional or textiletype or, more particularly, to sterilize actual textile articles likepillows, sheets, and the like. It could even be used for sterilizationof medical supplies or equipment. While the immediately previousembodiment described herein utilizes three separate sterilizing chambers120, 126, 130 separated by three separate and independent water chambers140, 160, 180 (FIG. 5), the present embodiment of the apparatus 200includes only a single, multi-function sterilizing chamber 210 withfirst 256 and second 260 water chambers being positioned on upstream anddownstream ends of a conveyance path, as will be described in detailbelow.

This apparatus 200 also includes a framework 240 having upstream 242 anddownstream 244 ends and a conveyor assembly 246 having first 248 andsecond 250 guide rollers for operating a continuous conveyor belt 252 ina generally downstream direction. A plurality of stop members 254 arespaced apart longitudinally along the conveyor belt 252 for stabilizingarticles 202 being transported therealong.

The sterilizing chamber 210 defines an entrance 212 and exit 214. Theconveyor assembly 246 causes the conveyor belt 252 to extend and movethrough the water chambers 256, 260 and sterilizing chamber 210 suchthat an article 202 to be sterilized may be moved therethrough. In themanner described previously, a vacuum pump 216 is coupled to thesterilizing chamber 210 for removing air therefrom and from the article202 and causing a reduced air pressure. Withdrawn air is passed throughan ozone filter 218 having a non-consumable catalyst 219 such asmanganese dioxide prior to being exhausted into the surroundingatmosphere. An ultraviolet lamp 220 may also be mounted in thesterilizing chamber 210 for sterilizing outer surfaces of the article202.

An ozone generator 222 is also coupled to the sterilizing chamber 210for introducing ozone gas into the chamber 210 after operation of thevacuum pump 216. The pressure difference causes the ozone to penetratethe article 202 for sterilizing any microorganisms therein. An oxygentank 224 is mounted atop the sterilizing chamber 210 and is operativelycoupled to the ozone generator 222, oxygen being utilized to produceozone. Following ozone sterilization, another operation of the vacuumpump 216 may evacuate the sterilizing chamber 210 of ozone before thearticle 202 is moved through the exit 214 and into the second waterchamber 260.

In the same manner as was described relative to the embodiment of theapparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first 256 and second 260 waterchambers each include upper walls 258, 262, respectively, whichcooperate with respective walls of the sterilizing chamber 210 and thewater levels of respective water chambers to establish a closed airspace in the sterilizing chamber 210. Each upper wall includes upstreamand downstream portions having a construction substantially similar tothat described previously.

A sterilizer apparatus 300 according to still yet another embodiment ofthe present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 through 14. The apparatus 300according to this embodiment includes a construction substantiallysimilar to the apparatus 70 previously described except as specificallynoted below. As with the previous embodiments described herein, theapparatus 300 may be used to sterilize mail, textiles, and/or medicalsupplies or equipment. It should be understood that this is certainlynot an exhaustive list; almost anything could potentially be sterilizedusing an appropriately sized and configured apparatus 300.

As shown in FIG. 12, the sterilizer apparatus 300 may include a singlechamber 310, and one or more door 312 (FIG. 9) may selectively seal anentrance 311 (FIG. 12) to the chamber 310. The door 312 may be hingedlyor slidably operated, for example. Hinges 313 are shown coupled to thedoor 312 in FIG. 9. The chamber 310 may include a rack 314 forsupporting items being cleaned (FIGS. 12 and 13). As shown in FIGS. 9through 13, a cabinet 305 may define the single chamber 310. The cabinet305 may further house a vacuum pump 320, an ozone generator 322, and anozone filter 324 that are respectively in communication with the chamber310, such as through input and exit holes 326 a, 326 b (FIG. 13). Itshould be appreciated, however, that the vacuum pump 320, the ozonegenerator 322, and/or the ozone filter 324 may be separate from thecabinet 305 but in communication with the chamber 310. A door 316 (FIG.9) may limit access to the vacuum pump 320, the ozone generator 322,and/or the ozone filter 324. An ultraviolet light 328 may be locatedwithin or in communication with the chamber 310 (FIG. 13).q

The sterilizer apparatus 300 may include a processor 330 in datacommunication with the vacuum pump 320 and the ozone generator 322 (FIG.14) for controlling the actuation of the vacuum pump 320 and the ozonegenerator 322, for example. One or more payment device 332 may be alsobe in data communication with the processor 330. As shown in FIG. 9,payment devices 332 such as a card reader 332 a and a cash acceptor 332b may be coupled to the cabinet 305. The processor 330 may be in datacommunication with a remote computer 334 (e.g., a hotel computer, alaundromat computer, etc.), which may allow various charge or paymentoptions, for example. A start button 336 and/or a display 337 (FIG. 9)may be in data communication with the processor 330.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a shelf 340 may be coupled to the cabinet305 to allow a user to place items thereon either before or after theyare cleaned. In addition, though not shown in the accompanying drawings,a scent applier and/or a bagging device may be in communication with thechamber 310. The scent applier and/or the bagging device may be in datacommunication with the processor 330, and the processor 330 may be indata communication with a user input device for allowing the scentapplier and/or the bagging device to be selected by a user as desired.

In use, the door 312 may be opened to expose the entrance 311 to thechamber 310, and an item 301 (e.g., a pillow, letter, television remotecontrol, etc.) may be placed inside the chamber 310. If desirable, theitem 301 may be placed upon the rack 314 (FIG. 12). The user may closethe door 312, forming an airtight area inside the chamber 310. If theprocessor 330 is programmed to require payment, the user may providepayment (e.g., using card reader 332 a or cash acceptor 332 b). Afterpayment is received, the user may press the start button 336 to initiatethe cleaning process as described below. It should be understood thatpayment may be required before the door 312 is opened to place the item301 in the chamber 310, and/or that the cleaning process may startautomatically upon receiving payment (i.e., without use of the startbutton 336). Though not shown in detail, the door may be automaticallylocked during the cleaning process so that it cannot be opened until thecleaning process is completed.

Once the cleaning process begins, the ultraviolet light 328 may beactuated to sterilize the item 301 as generally described above. Thevacuum pump 320 may remove air from the chamber 310 (e.g., through theexit hole 326 b), creating a low pressure area (e.g., a vacuum) insidethe chamber 310. If the door 312 includes a transparent area 312 a (awindow), the user may watch the cleaning process through the transparentarea 312 a. The processor 330 may cause the display 337 to indicate thesteps of the cleaning process as they occur. Once the vacuum is createdin the chamber 310, the ozone generator 322 may release ozone gas intothe chamber 310 (e.g., through the input hole 326 a). Introducing ozonein the low pressure atmosphere may allow the ozone to quickly permeatethe item 301. It should be understood that the sterilizer apparatus 300may be used without the vacuum pump 320 creating a vacuum in the chamber310, but that such a vacuum may substantially speed up the cleaningprocess. After the ozone sanitizes the item 301, the vacuum pump 320 maypull the ozone gas in the chamber 310 through the ozone filter 324,which may convert the ozone into oxygen and release it into theatmosphere. After the ozone is removed from the chamber 310, the door312 may be opened and the item 301 may be removed. If the user wants theitem 301 to be scented or bagged, the apparatus 300 may use the scentapplier and/or the bagging device as described above before the door 312is opened.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have beenillustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar assuch limitations are included in the following claims and allowablefunctional equivalents thereof.

1. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: a chamber; adoor selectively sealing said chamber in an airtight manner; a vacuumpump in communication with said chamber for withdrawing air from saidchamber and any respective article placed therein, said vacuum pumpcausing a reduced air pressure within said chamber; an ozone generatorin communication with said chamber for introducing ozone into saidchamber and into any respective article placed therein; and an ozonefilter in communication with said chamber and having a non-consumablecatalyst for converting said ozone into oxygen.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a payment device; and a processor in datacommunication with said vacuum pump, said ozone generator, and saidpayment device to actuate said vacuum pump and said ozone generator uponutilization of said payment device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a scent applier in communication with said chamber and indata communication with said processor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a bagging device in communication with said chamberand in data communication with said processor.
 5. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising a cabinet that defines said chamber and houses saidvacuum pump, said ozone generator, and said ozone filter.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, further comprising a shelf coupled to said cabinetexterior to said chamber.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said dooris hingedly coupled to said cabinet.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5,further comprising: an ultraviolet lamp in communication with saidchamber for sterilizing outer surfaces of the article; a payment device;and a processor in data communication with said vacuum pump, said ozonegenerator, and said payment device to actuate said vacuum pump and saidozone generator upon utilization of said payment device.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a scent applier incommunication with said chamber and in data communication with saidprocessor; a bagging device in communication with said chamber and indata communication with said processor; and a display in datacommunication with said processor.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an ultraviolet lamp in communication with said chamber forsterilizing outer surfaces of the article.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said non-consumable catalyst is manganese dioxide.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an oxygen tank operativelyconnected to said ozone generator for supplying oxygen to said ozonegenerator for ozone production.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid vacuum pump is coupled to said ozone filter to draw air into saidozone filter.
 14. An apparatus for sterilizing an article, comprising: acabinet having a chamber; a door coupled to said cabinet for selectivelysealing said chamber in an airtight manner; a vacuum pump incommunication with said chamber for withdrawing air from said chamberand any respective article placed therein, said vacuum pump causing areduced air pressure within said chamber; an ozone generator incommunication with said chamber for introducing ozone into said chamberand into any respective article placed therein; and an ozone filter incommunication with said chamber and having a non-consumable catalyst forconverting said ozone into oxygen.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,further comprising a processor in data communication with said vacuumpump and said ozone generator to control actuation of said vacuum pumpand said ozone generator.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, furthercomprising a display in data communication with said processor forpresenting data.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising atleast one of a payment device, a scent applier, or a bagging device indata communication with said processor.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15,further comprising at least one of a card reader or a cash acceptor,wherein said processor is in data communication with said at least oneof a card reader or a cash acceptor to actuate said vacuum pump and saidozone generator upon utilization of said at least one of a card readeror a cash acceptor.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said cabinethouses said vacuum pump, said ozone generator, and said ozone filter.20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an ultraviolet lamp incommunication with said chamber for sterilizing outer surfaces of thearticle.